Knee Pain Q & A

What causes knee pain?

Your knee has three primary structures: the joint, the kneecap, and cartilage and ligaments. When you have knee pain, one of these areas is injured or damaged.

Knee pain can vary depending on its cause. It can be chronic or acute and range from constant, shooting, or sharp. You can also have pain in one or both knees.

Conditions that can trigger knee pain include:

Torn ligaments

Bursitis and tendonitis

Gout (severe pain and tenderness in the joints)

Baker’s cysts (fluid-filled cysts behind your knee)

Chondromalacia patella (a deterioration of cartilage)

ACL and meniscus tears

Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis

In some cases, bone tumors can lead to knee pain.

Who is at risk of developing knee pain?

Knee pain is a common problem. Anyone can experience this issue regardless of age and activity level. Some factors can increase your risks, however, including:

Advancing age

Being overweight

Athletics and physical exercise

Previous knee injuries or trauma

To reduce your risk of knee injuries or pain, it’s essential to stay physically active and to stretch and cool down correctly while exercising. Maintaining a healthy body weight and avoiding overuse can also help you prevent knee problems from developing.

If you sustain a knee injury, stop your activity or exercise immediately and contact Carolina Care. Urgent care appointments are available seven days a week, including evenings.

How is knee pain diagnosed?

During your appointment, Dr. Ferro performs a physical examination of your knee and discusses your symptoms. To locate the source of your pain, he might recommend a variety of tests, including:

Blood panels

Digital imaging like X-rays

Nerve studies like electromyography (EMG)

In some cases, an ultrasound might be used to look at your muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints. This type of imaging can help identify soft tissue conditions like sprains, tears, and strains.

How is knee pain treated?

Dr. Ferro treats your knee pain depending on its cause.

Knee pain treatments typically include physical therapy, lifestyle changes, or medications to reduce discomfort and inflammation. In some cases, like ACL tears, surgery may be required to restore your knee’s function.